All-Star Game, July 13, 2010, Angel Stadium, Anaheim

2010 All-Star Game News Archive - July 2010

The Pitch, Hit & Run (PHR) National Finals, which is a baseball and softball skills competition that provides boys and girls, ages seven to 14, the opportunity to showcase their pitching, hitting and running abilities, saw winners in four different age groups.

This will be remembered as the year Brian McCann helped the National League end the longest drought in the history of Major League Baseball's All-Star Game. But we will remember Anaheim 2010 for so much more than that.

With some help from right fielder Marlon Byrd, Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton worked around a leadoff single in the top of the ninth Tuesday night at Angel Stadium and earned the save in the National League's 3-1 win, its first since 1996.

It was an emotional, roller-coaster day for Commissioner Bud Selig, which began early with a phone call telling him that Yankees owner George Steinbrenner had died and ended with him presenting the All-Star Game MVP trophy -- a glass bat -- to National League catcher Brian McCann.

The Junior Circuit's 13-game undefeated streak in the All-Star Game came to an end on Tuesday, and with it the NL clinched home-field advantage in the World Series for the first time since 2001. And nearly every key player in the win has reason to think that advantage might benefit his own team.

Both Roy Halladay and Ryan Howard felt good to be part of the NL All-Star team that snapped the losing streak against the AL with Tuesday's 3-1 victory in Anaheim. Both were happy to see Charlie Manuel manage the team that did it.

Michael Bourn knew a couple of innings early that he would be entering the 81st All-Star Game in the eighth inning. Still, when you're participating in your first Midsummer Classic there are bound to be plenty of butterflies in your stomach.

The two days of thrills and excitement coming from Paul Konerko's fourth All-Star appearance and Matt Thornton's All-Star debut came to an end Tuesday night via the National League's 3-1 victory at Angel Stadium.

Asked about his assignment in Tuesday night's All-Star Game, holding onto a slender lead in a high-visibility, high-stakes game, Adam Wainwright grinned. He repeated the word "yeah" about three times. He laughed. Wainwright lives for situations like the one he faced on Tuesday.

In his All-Star debut, an elated Matt Capps picked up the victory as the NL defeated the AL, 3-1, at Angel Stadium on Tuesday night. The victory broke the NL's 13-game losing streak as Capps became the first NL pitcher to win since John Smoltz in 1996.

Angel Stadium was a destination point for Padres closer Heath Bell, who grew up in the area and watched Reggie Jackson, Brian Downing and Bob Boone. Bell retired the only batter he faced in Tuesday's 3-1 National League victory in the All-Star Game.

David Wright's two hits in two at-bats provided most of the NL's offense in the early innings. He reached on an infield single in the second inning to extend his All-Star Game hitting streak to five games.

Major League Baseball fans are starring in another commercial. Remember the "Priceless" spot that was filmed live by MasterCard Worldwide and Stand Up To Cancer during Game 3 of the 2009 World Series at Philadelphia? They did it again after the sixth inning of the 81st All-Star Game at Angel Stadium on Tuesday.

David Ortiz took his rebound to the national level on Monday night, winning the State Farm Home Run Derby with a confident display of power that recalled memories of when Big Papi was at his peak in the mid 2000s.

Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera finished fourth in this year's State Farm Home Run Derby with 12 home runs, but his tape-measure power provided some of the bigger home runs of the competition Monday night at Angel Stadium.

Nick Swisher smacked four homers into the far reaches of right field at Angel Stadium in the Home Run Derby on Monday night -- not enough to advance past the first round, but plenty to leave the Yankees' right fielder feeling good about the experience.

It's not just that Vernon Wells was knocked out of the first round after hitting just two home runs at Angel Stadium on Monday. Wells, battling the late afternoon Southern California sun and shadows, saw just 18 pitches during his time at the plate.

Part of what makes the All-Star Game great are the matchups or pairings you wouldn't see in the regular season. For example: Giants right-handers Tim Lincecum and Brian Wilson pitching out of the bullpen for the National League All-Stars on Tuesday.

The Rangers, at least in the past decade, usually don't walk away from an All-Star Game without having a significant impact on events, and they are well-positioned to do so again on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium.

The People All-Stars Among Us, gathered in a ballroom in advance of their coming-out party Tuesday night before Major League Baseball's 81st All-Star Game are everyday heroes who are not out for this kind of publicity and attention.

It seemed that Red Sox third baseman Adrian Beltre was off the American League's All-Star team and Texas' Michael Young was in as a replacement. But not long after, Beltre reclaimed the roster spot that he truly never lost.

As he looked around the ballroom during media day, Astros outfielder Michael Bourn felt like a rookie all over again, and the lack of attention did not bother Bourn, who was selected for his first All-Star Game.

Commissioner Bud Selig answered a variety of questions -- some submitted online, others asked by those among an overflow crowd -- during a his 10th annual Town Hall-type event Tuesday at All-Star FanFest at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Dustin Pedroia's crutches sat on the ground next to him, serving as a reminder of his spectator-only status at this year's All-Star Game. Victor Martinez held court with a bandaged splint still covering the fractured tip of his left thumb.

While the Tigers ended up with three players at this year's Midsummer Classic, including Justin Verlander and Jose Valverde, much of Detroit's focus will be on Miguel Cabrera, who seems to be settling into the All-Star spotlight.

Matt Thornton was an unlikely pick as a setup man in a game for which few get selected to go; Paul Konerko needed an injury to another star to get in despite posting stellar numbers in his own right. But both have defied the odds like their White Sox and are ready to enjoy the All-Star Game.

This is the second straight season the Marlins are represented at the Midsummer Classic by two of the top young talents in the game. Hanley Ramirez and Josh Johnson -- both 26-years-old -- are the faces of the franchise.

Albert Pujols chartered the jet that carried the five Redbirds west on Sunday. It's the largest cadre of Cardinals All-Stars since the reigning National League champions sent six players to Detroit in 2005.

Nationals closer Matt Capps was having brunch with his family and friends Monday when he saw several All-Stars walking in and out of the restaurant. It was at that moment he was thinking about his dad, Mike.

The Orioles' Ty Wigginton might be the club's lone representative at this year's All-Star Game, but Tigers outfielder Johnny Damon is glad the utility man was selected to his first Midsummer Classic because he "plays the game the right way."

Some people will look at Fausto Carmona's numbers (8-7, 3.64 ERA) and wonder what he's doing in the All-Star Game. But as far as the Indians are concerned, the 26-year-old Carmona has earned this first visit to the Midsummer Classic.

Tuesday's All-Star Game and all the preceding festivities are a celebration, and for the eight Yankees All-Stars -- seven of whom are soaking up the sunshine, with Mariano Rivera out due to injury -- there's no reason not to love a few more days on the West Coast.

A little more than five hours before Sidney Holland was to throw the first pitch of Monday's State Farm Home Run Derby to Chris Young, the eight participants gathered for a brief, yet jovial, press conference.

Vernon Wells was held back by a right wrist injury that was corrected with offseason surgery, and now he is once again an All-Star, joined by teammates John Buck and Jose Bautista in Anaheim. It is their first All-Star experience and the third for Wells.

Surrounded by the game's best, Evan Meek said it was all beginning to sink in. Still, as Meek spoke to reporters on Monday afternoon, there were plenty of reminders that this was, indeed, a first-time experience.

Under the bright lights of the Marriott ballroom on Monday morning, American League manager Joe Girardi and National League skipper Charlie Manuel made their tough calls a matter of record, revealing the starting pitchers and starting lineups for Tuesday's Midsummer Classic.

The Senior Circuit heads into the 81st rendition of the Midsummer Classic with a rather large monkey on its back, one that comes in the form of a seven-game losing streak to the American League, which is actually 12 if you discount 2002's 7-7 tie at Miller Park in Milwaukee.

Even before the 2010 All-Stars got going in their morning news conferences Monday, Joe Mauer was on his game. The cover boy of MLB 10 The Show on Playstation 3 was at the Playstation Patrol Truck at 8 a.m. PT, getting the day's FanFest off to a quick start.

It was perhaps the most difficult assignment that Joe Girardi had on his plate in preparing for Tuesday's All-Star Game, and it happened to be the same task that he tackles each day as the manager of the Yankees.

The All-Star Game returns to Anaheim for the first time in 21 years and the third time in the Angels' 49-year history on Tuesday. But this one is particularly significant to Arte Moreno, who has enjoyed a great run of success since he purchased the team from Disney in 2003.

As the rosters came together for the 2010 All-Star Game, to be played July 13 in Anaheim, a few more names appeared to be etching their way into being annual fixtures on the game's most prestigious guest list.

The moment CC Sabathia in Seattle and Jered Weaver and Trevor Cahill in Oakland delivered their first pitches on Sunday, the AL's pitching staff for Tuesday night's Major League All-Star Game at Angel Stadium began to take its final form.

Hank Conger gave Angels fans a sneak preview of his offensive potential with a three-run homer in the fifth inning, turning a Futures Game pitchers' duel into a U.S. runaway for a 9-1 victory Sunday afternoon at Angel Stadium.

Willin Rosario was one of two Rockies prospects to appear in the game -- a 9-1 USA victory. Left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich, pitching for the USA, faced one batter and coaxed a fly ball in the ninth inning.

In lieu of injured rookie Jayson Heyward being one of the youngest to play in an All-Star Game, Dodgers pitcher Hong-Chih Kuo will carry a different distinction to Anaheim: the first Taiwanese All-Star.

After Brett Lawrie emerged from an early season slump in his first season at Double-A Huntsville (Southern League), a second trip to the Futures Game was, in a sense, a reward for responding to some adversity.

After missing the entire second half of last season with soreness in his pitching elbow, Reds Minor League reliever Philippe Valiquette has come back strong, with a performance that landed him on the World Team for the XM Futures Game held Sunday at Angel Stadium.

Tanner Scheppers, who pitched in Sunday's 2010 XM All-Star Futures Game at Angel Stadium for the U.S., knows there is a possibility he could be next pitcher with relatively little Minor League experience to debut with the Rangers this season.

The All-Star FanFest kicked off Friday with a record total of 24,917 tickets sold. It's sure to get even better on Monday and Tuesday with several Hall of Famers and current big leaguers scheduled to make appearances.

It's no secret that the 81st All-Star Game on Tuesday will feature some of the best talent in the Majors. But it will also feature a star-studded cast of musicians and entertainers on hand to help cap the festivities.

Billy Wagner was appreciative Saturday night, when he received an invitation to compete in this year's All-Star Game. But the Braves' closer has decided he'd rather spend the next couple of days resting his sore right ankle.

Despite being a scratch for Tuesday's All-Star Game, Jose Reyes still plans to make the trip to Anaheim. Reyes, who missed the 2006 All-Star Game with an injury, expressed his desire to savor the unique experience with his family.

The XM All-Star Futures Game is set to take place Sunday afternoon, and it's a staple in the weekend, a known quanitity, something every player in the Minor Leagues is familiar with and strives to participate in.

Major League Baseball, the Angels, Rebuilding Together and Bank of America celebrated the grand opening of the rehabilitated facilities of non-profit organization Mary's Kitchen on Saturday, as part of the festivities of MLB All-Star Week.

About 30 young children with special needs played a one-inning game in the outfield at Angel Stadium on Friday, hearing their names called and receiving cheers from the crowd as they rounded the bases.

Justin Morneau's headache still had not gone away by Friday afternoon and the first baseman is now questionable for not only the rest of the Twins' series against the Tigers this weekend, but also for next week's All-Star Game due to his lingering concussion symptoms.

Hall of Famer and All-Star FanFest spokesman Rod Carew hosted children from the local Boys & Girls Club on Thursday for a special sneak peek at Major League Baseball's All-Star FanFest at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Major League Baseball's 81st All-Star Game will be played on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, and now at last it is time to find out who you chose as the 34th and final players on the American and National League rosters.

MLB, the host Angels and the Angels Baseball Foundation will host a series of community events leading up to the 81st Midsummer Classic, and will donate about $5 million from Gatorade Workout Day ticket sales to local and national charities.

As the countdown continues to the 81st All-Star Game, daydreams of anticipation grip the 68 players and field staffs chosen to represent the American and National Leagues in Major League Baseball's annual midsummer blowout.

Rays closer Rafael Soriano was named to the American League All-Star team on Wednesday as a replacement for Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, who had to withdraw from the Midsummer Classic so he can rest his ailing left side and right knee.

In a conference call, MLB analysts Aaron Boone and Bobby Valentine along with ESPN vice president of programming and acquisitions, Mike Ryan spoke about the Home-Run Derby, the Padres' unexpected first half and of course, Stephen Strasburg.

The first five sluggers are ready to swing in the State Farm Home Run Derby. Miguel Cabrera, David Ortiz and Vernon Wells will represent the AL, and Corey Hart and Matt Holliday will compete for the NL.

For the first time in team history, the Rays had two players elected by the fans to the All-Star Game -- Carl Crawford and Evan Longoria. In addition, David Price was selected through the players vote.

Billy Wagner pitched for Phillies manager Charlie Manuel before and the two are longtime friends, but the Braves closer needs help in the Final Vote to become the 34th player on the National League All-Star roster.

It was hard to hide the smile on Delmon Young's face Tuesday as he watched one of his teammates walk by in the visitor's clubhouse at Rogers Centre wearing a t-shirt with the slogan "Drive in Delmon Young" sprawled across the front.

After a 2009 season in which he hit only 15 home runs with 66 RBIs, Blue Jays outfielder Vernon Wells was not only named to this year's American League All-Star team, but he will now also represent the AL in the State Farm Home Run Derby.

Miguel Cabrera wasn't exactly calling his shot on Tuesday when he confirmed his spot in next week's State Farm Home Run Derby, but he made it clear that he isn't just doing his part for All-Star festivities.

The first All-Star experience of Clay Buchholz's career will be purely as a spectator. The righty will now officially be replaced on the American League squad, as the Red Sox placed the 10-game winner on the 15-day disabled list Mondaywith a left hamstring strain.

Yankees right fielder Nick Swisher and Reds first baseman Joey Votto are your early leaders after more than 10 million votes were registered in the opening 24 hours of the 2010 All-Star Game Final Vote.

Andy Pettitte walked out of Yankee Stadium on Sunday expecting that he'd at some point be named an All-Star. As he climbed a mound for his scheduled bullpen session a coast away the next afternoon, he knew for sure.

Rangers sluggers Josh Hamilton and Vladimir Guerrero both reiterated on Monday that they will not participate in this year's Home Run Derby. Guerrero won the 2007 Derby in 2007 and Hamilton was the star of the 2008 affair.

Home runs are a big part of why Jose Bautista found his way onto the American League All-Star team, which was revealed on Sunday. His power showing currently has him atop Major League Baseball's home run leaderboard, leaving just one question for Bautista to answer: Would he be willing to slug it out in the State Farm Home Run Derby?

If you are a Major League Baseball player who needs a little extra boost from some of your friends -- and occasional enemies -- to be selected for the 81st All-Star Game on July 13 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, it's all about the Player Ballot.

Joe Girardi will have familiar faces in the home dugout at Angel Stadium on July 13, and the American League manager should have confidence in his middle infielders, as Robinson Cano and Derek Jeter have been voted into the starting lineup.

Joe Mauer, who was named the starting catcher for the American League on Sunday, was the leading overall vote-getter in Major League Baseball for the first time in his career, receiving 5,372,606 votes.

The Blue Jays will have a trio of players at Angel Stadium in Anaheim for this year's All-Star Game. Outfielders Vernon Wells and Jose Bautista, along with catcher John Buck, will represent Toronto on the American League's elite squad as reserves.

The Tigers missed out on an All-Star starter, but they didn't miss out on All-Star firepower. While first baseman Miguel Cabrera earned his first All-Star selection as a member of the Tigers, Jose Valverde became the first Detroit closer to make the Midsummer Classic in 10 years.

Delmon Young may be considered by some of his teammates to be a star, but to earn his first trip to the July 13 All-Star Game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, he will need the help of the fans, as he's one of five American League Final Vote candidates.

To get through the first 81 games of the season tied for the Major League lead in wins, the Red Sox needed contributions from a lot of different players. Six of them were recognized as American League All-Stars on Sunday.

Ty Wigginton is headed to his first All-Star Game. Wigginton was selected as a reserve, and will be the lone O's representative at the 2010 All-Star Game in Anaheim. It marks the fifth straight year Baltimore has had just one player selected.

One of the best starts to a season in recent baseball history was rewarded Sunday when right-handed pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez was named to the National League squad for the 81st All-Star Game. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, hitting .306 with nine home runs and 36 RBIs before suffering a fractured left wrist, was also picked.

Trevor Cahill's name wasn't even on the A's Opening Day roster. Rather, he was on the disabled list, where he spent a couple of weeks nursing a stress reaction near his left scapula. Now, less than four months later, he's on the All-Star roster.

Jason Heyward, Martin Prado, Omar Infante, Tim Hudson and Brian McCann have all been elected or selected to represent the Braves at this year's All-Star Game, which will be held July 13 at Angel Stadium.

After a late surge over the final two weeks of online voting, David Wright was named the starting third baseman for the National League All-Star team. He will join Jose Reyes, the Mets' other representative on the NL squad.